Shoulder
Dogs bear 60% of their body weight in their front limbs; thus, shoulder health is essential. For normal function, all of the bones (humerus and scapula) of the shoulder joint must align properly. The shoulder connects the front limbs to the trunk and provides support for the front half of the body. Disruption of the normal gliding of the shoulder joint results in pain. Developmental abnormalities, such as osteochondritis dissecans, cause inflammation due to abnormal joint formation. Without intervention, arthritis progresses in the joint. Shoulder pain may not be obvious in stoic dogs; other dogs may limp on the affected leg. A healthy body weight is the best insurance to minimize joint inflammation in your dog’s shoulders. Anti-inflammatory medications, nutritional supplements, physical therapy and/or surgery may be recommended by your veterinarian to keep your dog’s shoulder joints strong and mobile.